With the number of Chinese-owned and operated businesses that are increasing in number all over the United States, now is the time to begin your journey toward learning Chinese. Whether you are learning for fun, or just to boost your resume as a bilingual speaker, there are several methods to learning a second language. Since they all work differently for different folks, you’ll need to decide which method is the best for you. Here are two second-language-learning options you might choose from:
- Books – plain and simple – While some might consider this the “old-fashioned” way of learning, those people who work best with a written form of language will learn better from a book. There are hundreds of textbooks to choose from with target audiences from elementary school to high school to adult learners. If learning from a textbook isn’t your thing primary chinese tuition, try getting a simple book (like a child’s book) written in the target language. Armed with a translation dictionary, you can read from the book in the target language. This method will help you with contextual teaching and learning.
- Chinese language software – online or offline – Computer software is becoming the standard for learning a second language. The software often times has activities to help you practice your target language, as well as a dictionary for translation from your native language. The activities and exercises are key to helping you learn with Chinese language courses. The activities work by “forcing” you to practice the words you have learned, strengthening your understanding of the new language.